Thursday, February 11, 2021

City Newsletter - Feb. 11, 2021

 

 

Feb. 11, 2021

 

A dog lies in the grass

 

City Council removes dog-breed restrictions

 

In January, the Aurora City Council approved the removal of dog breed restrictions from city ordinance. This means that effective Feb. 14, residents are allowed to own American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier dogs inside city limits.

 

Another result of the ordinance change is that the Aurora Animal Shelter can now adopt those dog breeds to Aurora residents. Previously, the breeds could only be adopted out through the shelter’s Everyday Adoption Center in Westminster to non-Aurora residents. More information about adoptable animals can be found at AuroraGov.org/Animal.

 

As part of the change, owners of American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers are required to license their dogs with the city, just as is mandatory for all Aurora dog and cat owners. Pet licenses are important for ensuring a healthy pet population in the city, because a current rabies vaccination is required for obtaining a license. Also, a license helps reunite pets with their families in case they ever get lost. Learn more at AuroraGov.org/Animal or by calling 303.326.8280.

 

The City Council also recently enacted a new dangerous-dog ordinance, which gives judges greater latitude in deciding whether a dog of any breed poses a community risk based on their behavior and actions. As always, residents can report animal-related issues to the city by calling 303.326.8288 (option 6) or filing a report with Access Aurora at AuroraGov.org/ContactUs.

 

 

With cold weather ahead, get Winter Wise

 

Temperatures are expected to be in the single digits or below zero this weekend, so be sure you're up to date on cold-weather preparation with the city's Winter Wise guide, including tips on how to keep pets safe.

 

AuroraGov.org/Winter

 

City offices and facilities to be closed Feb. 12 for furlough day and Feb. 15 for Presidents Day

 

As one of the cost-saving measures implemented in response to the financial impact of the COVID-19 public health crisis, the city of Aurora has set five mandatory employee furlough days in 2021. The first of these days is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 12.

 

On Feb. 12, most city facilities will be closed, and city employees will not report to work or receive pay. However, all public health and safety services will continue to be fully staffed and provide around-the-clock coverage. Additional furlough days are scheduled for April 16, July 2, Sept. 3 and Oct. 15.

 

In addition, most city facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

 

For a full list of closures, go to AuroraGov.org.

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Council Member Town Meetings

Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. The format and structure of town meetings is virtual during the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and find information on how to join. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."

Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Ward II (Nicole Johnston) - Thursday, March 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Ward III (Marsha Berzins) - Wednesday, March 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Wednesday, March 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Wednesday, March 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, March 24, 6 to 8 p.m.

At Large (Angela Lawson, Allison Hiltz, Curtis Gardner) - Thursday, March 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

 

City Council Study Session (Virtual)

Monday, Feb. 22, 5 p.m.

The Aurora City Council is expected to hear the results of an external investigation led by Jonathan Smith into the actions of police officers, firefighters and paramedics in the case of Elijah McClain. View this study session online at AuroraTV.org and cable channels 8 and 880.

 

City Council Regular Meeting (Virtual)

Monday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m.

View this council meeting online at AuroraTV.org and cable channels 8 and 880. See AuroraGov.org for details on how to address the council by phone during Public Invited to Be Heard or another agenda item. Note: Because of the recent website outage, the City Council continued all items from its Feb. 8 agenda to the Feb. 22 meeting.

 

Mayor Mike Live

Friday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.

Because of the city furlough day, there will not be a “Mayor Mike Live” this Friday. Please join us next week (Feb. 19), when Mayor Pro Tem Françoise Bergan will join the mayor to talk about the upcoming groundbreaking of a new recreation center in southeast Aurora. You can join the conversation with your questions for the mayor or his guests.

Facebook Live or AuroraTV.org

 

Online Lecture: Buskskin to Gore-Tex

Wednesday, Feb. 17, noon

University of Colorado-Denver history professor Doctor Rachel Gross studies the history of the outdoor industry. She will talk about her research and what she's discovered while working on her upcoming book, "Buskskin to Gore-Tex," at this online lecture by the Aurora History Museum.

Free but registration is required, here.

 

Gen Z Interpretation of the Letter from Birmingham Jail

Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m.

Dr. Janiece Mackey, youth from YAASPA (Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism), and the Aurora branch of the NAACP will present on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic Letter from Birmingham Jail. Hosted by the Aurora Police Department and city of Aurora, and sponsored by ReACT (Responding to Aurora's Critical Topics).

Available on Zoom (passcode 236467) or by calling in to 346.248.7799

 

"We Are A-Town!" Aurora Arts District Cleanup

Saturday, Feb. 27, 8 to 11 a.m.

Sponsored by The People's Building, this volunteer effort will clean up trash between Chester Street and Florence Street in Original Aurora.

Information on Facebook

 

"The Pavilion"

Feb. 26 to March 21

Do you remember your high school sweetheart? Are you ready to see them again at your reunion? After two decades of failed relationships, Peter returns to his high school reunion hoping to rekindle his romance with Kari, the girl he abandoned after an unexpected pregnancy. As the night progresses, both Peter and Kari face the consequences of choices made long ago...and the daunting prospect of starting again. Depending on the public health guidelines as opening day approaches, this production could be live or virtual.

Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9990 E. Colfax Ave.

Tickets on sale now at AuroraFox.org

 

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Through March 30

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required.

Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park

 

Religious Diversity in Aurora Exhibit

Online through May 2021

The Aurora History Museum is showcasing and celebrating the wide variety of faiths and religious experiences of Aurorans in the new exhibit “Religious Diversity in Aurora.” Explore photos of over 140 houses of worship in the city and learn about other people’s beliefs and traditions. 

Free online exhibit at Aurora History Museum webpage

 

 

Image of a mask with the message to Keep It Up on continued COVID precautions

 

 

 

 

Have a comment, question or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

 

Know someone who would like to receive this newsletter? Have them sign up at AuroraGov.org/NewsletterSignup.

 

 

This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

 

Questions?

Email communications@auroragov.org